"US withdrawal from Syria should not leave a gap in governance and security in the region. We are ready to undertake the responsibility," Erdogan said at an event hosting member of the US Chamber of Commerce and American-Turkish Council at the Presidential Complex in Ankara.
"Creation of a safe zone in northern Syria is crucial," the president said. "Turkey is determined to fight against all terrorist groups, particularly Daesh, which poses a great threat to the region and the world."
In regard to strained Ankara-Washington relations over US support for the PKK's wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG) terrorist group, Erdogan said initiatives by Trump have thwarted efforts to heighten tensions between the two NATO allies.
"Trump's latest initiative in Syria has foiled the plans of those trying to undermine Turkey-US relations," he said.
However, he warned that continued US support for the YPG would undoubtedly have "consequences."
In June, Ankara and Washington agreed on a road map that would see the YPG removed from Manbij in northern Syria. Turkey has repeatedly expressed its frustration that the implementation of the plan has been delayed.
Based on Daily Sabah
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